Battle of the Giants: Charged-up Brazil faces smooth Spain after scrappy semifinalsPosted by Paul Gardner on Jun. 28, 2:09 a.m.There's not much point in trying to make out that the Confederations Cup semifinals gave us sublime soccer. Both games were rather ragged affairs. The problem in the Brazil-Uruguay semi was the endless series of mistakes, by both teams -- mistakes that usually led to the ball being lost, which in turn led to scrappy attempts -- fouling and borderline ...» 12 Comments

MLS Referees and the Concussion ProblemPosted by Paul Gardner on Jun. 25, 12:46 p.m.I was thinking that the sport of soccer had surely, by now, come to understand that head injuries are dangerous. Just that -- a simple understanding that concussions cannot be dismissed lightly, that they must be treated with great seriousness.» 10 Comments

Brazilians challenge the myth of Big Soccer Posted by Paul Gardner on Jun. 21, 1:18 a.m.A mere seven years ago, you may remember, we were being invited -- though at times it seemed almost like being commanded -- to appreciate the wonderful social benefits of soccer.» 16 Comments

Hoping for high-scoring at the Confederations CupPosted by Paul Gardner on Jun. 14, 1:04 p.m.The Confederations Cup has taken a good deal of abuse in its short lifetime, mostly because it has seemed to be an unnecessary tournament, a money-making event imposed on already overworked players.» 6 Comments

Spain still reigns over GermanyPosted by Paul Gardner on Jun. 10, 1:42 a.m.We have recently been asked to contemplate the idea that the future of soccer will belong to the Germans, rather than the Spanish who rule the roost at the moment.» 9 Comments

What's Klinsmann's vision for this team?Posted by Paul Gardner on Jun. 9, 1:09 a.m.So, another shapeless, luke-warm performance from Jurgen Klinsmann's team. Of course he'll take it, three points on the road, in Jamaica where points have always been hard to come by.» 36 Comments

Time runs out on KlinsmannPosted by Paul Gardner on Jun. 1, 2:10 a.m.I don't see how losing 4-2 on your home field, can be viewed as anything other than an acute embarrassment. Even when the opponent is Belgium, currently one of the better European teams, playing with virtually a full squad.» 47 Comments